CNI News
26 May 2024

Although the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPJDC) will be regrouped, there are questions among political circles regarding whether the regrouping like that will work or not.

Representatives for the political group of the UPJDC will be elected on 25th and 26th May, 2024 in order to make the peace talks between the political group and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).

15 representatives out of 47 parties that have got registration from the Union Election Commission (UEC) will be elected to regroup the political group reportedly.

whether the UPJDC would work or not depended on the invitation of the State Administration Council (SAC) and the EAOs, and their party would meet and discuss in order to resolve the current crises, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing meeting with political parties

" In the past, the UPJDC was made up of 48 members of the committee. 16 from the political parties group, 16 from the EAOs and 16 from the government, the Tatmadaw and the Hluttaw, but now there has been no Hluttaw, so 16 from the Tatmadaw Government. Later, its name was changed into the NSPNC. The 48 representatives will lead and hold peace talks. I under stand so." he said.

Their seven NCA signatories have grouped for the UPJDC and political parties group has been regrouped for the discussion frames, that he thought, Colonel Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News.

" Representatives of the political parties group will be elected in Yangon, I heard. The delegates from the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) have gone there. But it might reach the UPJDC level. If the discussion will be held with only political groups, they have prepared to participate in the discussion sort of. Our NCA signatory EAOs have grouped for the UPJDC. We have no problem. We are always ready for the discussion. Northern three groups - Wa, Myla and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) always go to Naypyidaw whenever the discussion is held if they are invited. NCA signatories are always ready to come whenever invited. Some NCA non-signatories also might think to attend the discussion. Although the political parties group had grouped since before, they will prepare for the discussion frames, I think." he said.

The UPJDC must be made up of 16 representatives each from the government, the Hluttaw and the Tatmadaw, the political parties group and the NCA signatory EAOs, which has been imposed in the NCA.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing meeting with political parties

Although the political parties group has been grouped two times at least from 2021 to 2023, it has not been able to participate in the peace process. The public and international community have not been interested in it, said a politician.

How many people who really understand the peace process and the EAOs in the 47 political parties that will elect representatives for the UPJDC?

How many parties that are respected by international diplomats are there? How many parties that are seeking self-interests are there? Considering these situations thoroughly, representatives who can carry out effectively the peace process should elected and regrouped, pointed out politicians.

CNI News

26 May 2024

Arrests have been on the rise again in Malaysia since a few days ago and many Myanmar people there were arrested, philanthropic associations in Malaysia told CNI News.

The number of foreign workers was more than needed, which was reported by a Malaysian news agency and then more and more arrests were conducted, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping Myanmar people in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" Head of immigration department has said that they would arrest illegal foreigners anytime again. For the time being, they are arresting illegal foreigners at the places such as restaurants. There are door to door arrests as well. In fact, arrests are everywhere and will remain. Malaysian citizens have complained a lot about foreigners. Because they inform authorities of wherever foreigners are, foreigners who had arrived in jungle or mountain are checked and arrested." he said.

When Malaysian policemen arrest illegal foreigners, if the policemen are given money, those arrested are released. So, Malaysian citizens, later, tend to report to the immigration department, U Aung, chairman of the Yadana Sekka Funeral Service, told CNI News.

" There were hardly any arrests during the past two months, but now there are arrests almost everyday. The authorities come and check even the same place three times. Because many companies here have already moved to Vietnam and Indonesia, it's been difficult for Malaysian citizens to get jobs. There are some clashes among Malaysian politicians. The situation of foreigner workers depend on the policy of the politicians. Political situation in Malaysia is anybody' guess. Many arrests are conducted  because of complaints rather than a project." he said.

About 170 undocumented Myanmar citizens who illegally entered Klang City, Selangor State, Malaysia were arrested a few days ago reportedly. 

It has been estimated that arrests will go and Myanmar citizens should stay carefully so as not to be complained, urged philanthropic associations in Malaysia.

CNI News
26 May 2024

The number of the people who have registered at the UNHCR as refugees and those who have sought asylum was almost 190,000 and among them, more than 160,000 were the people from Myanmar, the UNHCR in Malaysia stated. The figure was until April, 2024.

Among over 160,000 Myanmar people, over 110,00 were Rohingya; about 26,000, Chin and 30,000, other nationalities from conflict-hit areas, according to the statement.

It was still difficult for Myanmar nationalities up to now like in the past, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees (CAR) told CNI News.

" Most Rohingya got refugee status. As the rest ethnic people are just a minority, it's still difficult for them to win the opportunity from the UNHCR like in the past. The UN's recognition of Myanmar citizens who fled and have sought asylum is still low. Undocumented Myanmar people were arrested by the hundred in Malaysia not very long ago." he said.

65 percent of the people who have sought asylum are men and 35 percent, women; the number of people under 18 was over 50,000, according to the UNHCR. Moreover, if Myanmar people who have held the UN refugee cards were arrested, the UNHCR's reply whether it was correct or not would be delayed, according to the people who are helping in the affairs of refugees.

Moreover, while it is difficult to get a job at present, Myanmar people are being cheated by liar brokers, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" There are many foreigners who were arrested and sent back even though they have held permits at present. Job vacancies are also scarce. In the situation like this Myanmar brokers cheat their compatriots and employ for one month and say there is no job anymore and dismiss. Many people who were cheated were not paid." he said.

There has been an increase in number of arrests again in Malaysia since a few days ago and many Myanmar citizens have been arrested, according to philanthropic associations in Malaysia.

In arresting like that, foreign migrant workers were arrested and taken away and documented workers were released reportedly.

CNI News

25 May 2024

There are concerns among political and military observers regarding what caould happen next after the discussion between the State Administration Council (SAC) and the Arakan Army (AA) did not go well.

The attitude of the AA that means the AA would continue to move for the liberation of Rakhine State and the Spring Revolution could be found out and so the discussion was broken, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" To the best of my knowledge, Chin urged the AA to end the war. But the AA has maintained the attitude that it will continue to conduct the movements for the liberation of Rakhine State and the Spring Revolution. Under this situation, the discussion was broken, I heard. The entire Rakhine State is going to be in the hands of the AA. But the military council has prepared defense in Sittwe and kept control of its West Command. In the situation like that, the military council tried to reach a ceasefire agreement with the AA with the help of China. And China wants to help the military council. After the ceasefire, the military council reinforce its military strength and will re-capture the entire Rakhine State. That's just its daydream project." he said.

While seeing a junction in Rakhine State

The peace delegation of the SAC and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA,TNLA,MNDAA) met and discussed peace in Kunming, China on 14th and 15th May and separate meeting between the SAC and the AA was broken, according to news media.

The AA said that the AA only must be in Rakhine State as an armed group and the Myanmar Tatmadaw must leave Rakhine State and the SAC discussed 'Our Three Main Causes' after which the peace talk was broken reportedly.

 It was impossible for the Myanmar Tatmadaw to leave Rakhine State and because the discussion was broken, the situation could end with bloodshed, a politician told CNI News.

While seeing the AA Force

" The Tatmadaw is an organization that represents the sovereignty of the entire Myanmar. Whether it is said just or unjust, it won't give in easily. Its leadership might be poor. According to the constitution, the Tatmadaw is responsible, but at the same time, the Tatmadaw has no rights to discuss that. Do the people in the southern part of Rakhine State all accept the AA. Let's say that all the Rakhine people in the places where the NLD won don't accept the AA. There may be many Rakhine people who support the AA, but not majority. So, the AA is demanding something impossible like Saw Ba U Gyi,former leader of the KNU, did. Saw Ba U Gyi demanded then-government to add Yangon, Bago, Tanintharyi and Ayeyarwady Regions to Karen State. Because he demanded something impossible, the situation ended with bloodshed." he said.

The AA stated on 18th May that it had captured all the military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Buthidaung Township. At present, the AA has seized control of Pauktaw, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Myebon, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Ranbye and Buthidaung Townships in Rakhine State as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State.

CNI News
25 May 2024

Most poultry farming industries have been suspended because the prices of chicken feed and chick are getting higher reportedly.

Not only do many chickens die of hot weather, the prices of chicken and egg  that poultry farms have to sell also don't get higher although these prices are getting higher at the market.

So, poultry farming operators are facing loss.

At present, those who have enough capital and companies only are conducting poultry farming while there have been a decrease in the number of people who conduct poultry farming on a small scale. Compared to the past, there are only 20 percent of entrepreneurs doing business of livestock left, Ko Kyaw Soe Moe, owner of Kaung Khit Poultry Farm, told CNI News.

" The prices of chicken feed, medicine and chick become higher. The price of medicine is getting about five times higher than before. The price of chicken feed is over 70,000 kyats per bag for egg chicken and 97,000 kyats per bag for broiler. But poultry farm owners don't get higher prices when they sell eggs and chicken at the farms. So, they make a loss. The price of broiler is about 9,000 kyats per viss at the farm but at the market its price is 15,000 kyats. So, there have been a sharp increase in the number of poultry farm owners. Only those who have enough capital and companies go on doing business of poultry farming. There are only 20 percent who conduct poultry farming left among self-employed people in the poultry farming industry." he said.

The price of a chick of egg chicken was 800 kyats last year, but now it's been 2,400 kyats and the price of a chick of broiler has been 1,500 kyats reportedly. Because the prices of chicken feed, medicine and chick are getting higher, the cost for poultry farming has become three times higher.

Although he was able to raise chickens by the thousand, but now by the hundred only, Ko Pyae Phyo Kyaw, owner of a poultry farming business, told CNI News.

" Because it's very hot this year, many chickens died of hot weather. Moreover, chickens that did not die didn't gain weight. So, owners of chicken farms make a lot of losses when prices are going up. If we raised 3,000 chickens in the past, it's not easy to raise even 1,000 now." he said.

Myanmar's poultry farming industry sector is gradually declining and only when is the production low, the sector will look up again. Moreover, most poultry farms are to stop in the rainy season reportedly.

CNI Article

24 May 2024

China's extensive activities in the South China Sea are causing alarming environmental damage. The region's rich biodiversity is under threat due to overfishing, climate change, and the destruction of coral reefs.

Land reclamation for territorial claims and the harvesting of giant clams have resulted in the rapid decimation of over 500 coral reef species.

This escalating ecological crisis, often overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, poses a severe long-term threat to the sustainability and health of the South China Sea. Urgent international attention and action are needed to mitigate this environmental catastrophe.

In the South China Sea, Scarborough Shoal, a contentious area under the control of China's coast guard, has been subjected to environmental degradation by Chinese fishermen, according to allegations from the Philippines. The Philippines has urged Beijing to allow international observers to inspect the atoll.

At a media briefing held yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) showcased a collection of satellite photos depicting the coral reefs around Scarborough Shoal. The reefs showed significant damage, which, according to the PCG, was the result of Chinese fishermen's quest for giant clams.

Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson for the Philippine National Security, expressed their concern and anxiety about the ongoing situation during the press briefing. He urged China to permit specialists from the United Nations and environmental organizations to carry out an autonomous investigation into the origins of the marine devastation.

Malaya stated, "This is our challenge to China." He continued, "If they see themselves as guardians of the environment, they should allow international observers access to Bajo de Masinloc." It's worth noting that Bajo de Masinloc is the name favored by Manila for the shoal.

Specifically, officials from the Philippines have pointed the finger at Chinese fishermen for the dwindling population of giant clams in Scarborough Shoal. This feature is situated approximately 198 kilometers to the west of Luzon, well within the exclusive economic zone recognized internationally as belonging to the Philippines. However, following a 10-week standoff with the Philippines in 2012, the triangular atoll came under China's control. Since then, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has maintained an almost constant presence at the shoal for the past 11 years. The Chinese government asserts that the shoal and the waters surrounding it are its "inherent territory," where, as stated by a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry last year, Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty."

Following the transition of control to China, it is alleged by Manila that Chinese fishing vessels initiated large-scale extraction of the prized giant clams from the central lagoon of the shoal. A report that appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in the early part of 2016 indicated that satellite imagery revealed propeller-induced scarring. This was evident in recent images of a minimum of 28 reefs in the Spratly and Paracel island groups, Scarborough Shoal included. The scarring was a consequence of reef chopping carried out by fishermen utilizing propellers attached to small boats.

During a press conference, several photographs were displayed that depicted Chinese fishermen engaged in the extensive harvesting of giant clams over several years, as reported by The Associated Press. However, according to Philippine officials, such activities appeared to have ceased in March 2019. "The last of the giant clams we observed in Bajo de Masinloc were those," Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the PCG, informed the media. He stated that the damage visible on the reefs was "undeniable proof of negligence. They appear to have little regard for the marine ecosystem."

Malaya indicated that there was growing agreement within the government to initiate a lawsuit against China over the damage to coral reefs and other features in the South China Sea. In 2013, Manila brought a comprehensive case before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, contesting the legitimacy of China's extensive "nine-dash line" maritime claim in the South China Sea. The tribunal largely sided with the Philippines three years later. However, the Chinese government has dismissed the ruling and is likely to also dismiss Manila's request to subject Scarborough Shoal to international maritime environmental examination.

Scarborough Shoal has recently emerged as a focal point in the escalating tension between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. This is largely attributed to the efforts of the CCG to block Filipino fishermen from entering the lagoon. In the previous September, the CCG had erected a floating barrier at the entrance of the lagoon, which was subsequently dismantled by the PCG. Since that incident, there have been several confrontations involving Philippine patrol vessels and fishing boats. The most recent of these occurred on April 30, when CCG ships used water cannons against a PCG patrol vessel and a fisheries patrol boat, inflicting considerable damage on both.

The environmental crisis in the South China Sea has significant geopolitical implications. The region is a complex geopolitical space, with China claiming nearly 90% of the sea area. This has led to territorial disputes with Southeast Asian littoral states and heightened tensions with the United States.

 The environmental degradation, largely due to China’s activities, adds another layer to these disputes. It threatens the livelihoods of thousands of fishers and food security, potentially destabilizing the region. Furthermore, China’s delaying tactics in negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) allow it to consolidate its holdings in the South China Sea, strengthening its position.

This crisis also impacts global landscapes, augmenting pre-existing friction and suspicion between China and other nations, and adding a new facet to the intricate matrix of South China Sea conflicts. Therefore, this environmental crisis is not just an ecological issue, but a significant geopolitical concern that requires urgent international attention and action.

CNI News

24 May 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/ the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces were launching an offensive to the Shanni Nationalities Army(SNA) military bases in Prit Pha Nine and Hlwa Zin Gon Villages that are an obstacle in the attempt to capture Homalin Town in Sagaing Region on 23rd May reportedly.

The SNA has controlled most of the villages in Homalin Township to be stable and avoid becoming a war zone while the KIA/PDF joint forces came to attack the SNA.

Homalin is militarily very important and if it could be controlled, its roads and waterways could be controlled; moreover, Naga region and Khamti also could be controlled and then the joint forces could continue to attack the towns in the middle part of Sagaing Region, said a military and political analyst.

While pointing out the location of Homalin Township and Hlwa Zin Gon Village

The SNA is prioritizing the regional stability in order not to cause damages and losses that may occur due to war and for the security of lives and properties of the people living in the Shanni region. At present the battles are breaking out between the KIA/PDF joint forces and the SNA in Shwe Pyi Aye, Banmauk, Homalin and Pinlebu.

If the battles severely broke out, houses could be burned down; locals could displace; the prices of foodstuffs and consumer goods could be higher; locals could face shortages of medicines and consumer goods; they could lose job opportunities and face economic crisis, said residents of Homalin.

Fuel would not be carried to Homalin Township; it would be allowed to be carried until Shwe Pyi Aye by waterway within the territory controlled by the National Unity Government and until Hlwa Zin Gon by road, Homalin Township Public Administrative Organization stated this month.

CNI News

24 May 2024

The new Thai government should allow refugees staying in the refugee camps on the Thai side near the Myanmar-Thailand border to work in Thailand or send the refugees to third countries, those who help in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

The Thai authorities are currently trying to find an answer regarding refugee camps near its border area with Myanmar and should conduct surveys of refugees to allow them to work in Thailand or to send them to third countries, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

"It would be better for refugees if they were allowed to go to third countries or most of them demand to enjoy job opportunities. Those who are staying in the refugee camps are undocumented. If they are allowed to work, how should they be permitted? Are refugee camps going to issue a certain card such as ones whose validity is ten years long, CI or pink cards. Will some employers accept those who come from refugee camps? The authorities should lay down two policies. Depending on the two policies, which one will refugees choose? Whether the authorities conduct surveys or data collection, an exact answer will come out." he said.

A place that supplies water in the Mae La Refugee Camp

International NGOs are providing the refugee camps in Thailand with food and basic needs and Thailand doesn't support anything to the camps except for providing space for camps. 
However, the Thai government is getting revenue because there are refugee camps in Thailand reportedly.

To draw refugees from the Mae La Refugee Camp that has already existed for 40 years into the labor resource system or to send them to third countries, an answer should come out, which Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the National Security Commission of the Thai Border Affairs said, reported in the Thai news media.

As most of the refugee camps on the Thai side have already existed for one decade or so, in spite of speaking out to find a solution, it wouldn't easy to put it into practice, U Min Oo, In charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

"Immigration to a third country depends on the Thai government. Another thing is the acceptable strength of the recipient countries. If a person was recognized as a refugee, he would be allowed to choose a third country that he wanted and at the same time, a recipient country for example if the US has decided to receive 1,000 refugees only, the 1,000 just can go to the country. The rest will have to wait." he said.

While the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand was seen in July, 2014

Myanmar refugees won't go back to their native country because of the current instabilities in Myanmar and some family members of refugees have already arrived in a third country reportedly. Those who are staying in the refugee camps tend to work the plantations and workplaces of the Thai locals in the nearby villages with mutual understanding.

There are Myanmar refugee camps on the Thai side along the Thai-Myanmar border, including Mae La, Umpiem, Nupo, Mae La Oon, Mae Ra Ma Luang, Tham Hin, Bang Don Yan, No.1 and No.2 Karenni Refugee Camps and over 90,000 people are taking refuge in these camps, according to the Karen Refugee Committee.

Among the nine refugee camps, Mae La is the biggest and about 40,000 refugees are taking refuge there reportedly.

CNI News

23 May 2024

Because the battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Waingmaw Township, locals from seven villages are displacing reportedly.

People from villages between Waingmaw and Shwe Nyaung Bin had to displace and are displacing now, a resident of Waingmaw told CNI News.

" There are about seven villages, including Shwe Nyaung Bin, Aung Myay-1, Aung Myay-2, Khar Sheat and Inlay between Waingmaw and Shwe Nyaung Bin and all the villagers from these villages displaced yesterday and are also displacing today. They are fleeing to safety by car, motorcycle and truck. I don't know where they are running away." she said.

While seeing the KIA/PDF joint forces

Myitkyina city-based Northern Command Military Headquarters and Nanpaung Air Base were attacked with shock missiles on 18th May and due to the explosion of shock missiles in Pammatee Ward, two young men and a workshop foreman, IDPs from Sinbo region, were killed and at least six people were injured.

And then, battles between the two sides were severely taking place and there were deaths due to explosions of artillery shells. Due to explosion of artillery shells to the east of Khat Cho Village, six people including family members who came from lower Myanmar to make a living were killed and over ten people were injured, a resident of Waingmaw told CNI News.

While the residents of Waingmaw Township were fleeing to avoid the fighting

" Artillery shells that were shot the other day fell and exploded to the east of Khat Cho Village where five of six family members who came from Sagaing Region to make a living at the rubber and banana farms and a Shan-Chinese person were killed." she said.

At present, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Waingmaw, Banmaw, Tarlawgyi, Sinbo and Momauk Townships.